Monday, September 7, 2009

NFL Power Rankings: Week 1 edition

It's that time of year again. The weather is cooling down, baseball games are starting to get meaningful, my preseason prognostications have been posted so that leaves only one thing left: The first edition of the NFL Power Rankings.

TOP TIER1. Steelers: The reigning Super Bowl champions get the inaugural spot.

2. Cardinals: The reigning NFC champions and Super Bowl runner-ups hold the No. 2 spot until they likely drop down after Week 1.

3. Patriots: Tom Brady is back and the offense has improved. The Pats could be very scary this year.

4. Falcons: If I picked them to make it to the Super Bowl, I've got to put them high in the first Power Rankings.

5. Colts: Peyton Manning alone could probably keep them in the fifth spot, but they've also got Reggie Wayne and Dwight Freeney.

6. Eagles: Michael Vick looked awful in his first extended preseason action, but he's got two weeks to get straightened out.

7. Giants: Hakeem Nicks came on in the last two preseason games and Eli Manning has a lot to prove.

8. Ravens: The defense will be strong even with the loss of Bart Scott and Joe Flacco will only get better.

9. Panthers: Lots of offensive weapons as long as Jake Delhomme doesn't turn the ball over too much.

10. Vikings: The rest of the team is so good, even Brett Favre might not be able to screw their whole season up.

11. Titans: Chris Johnson and LenDale White look to supplant themselves as the best running tandem in the NFL.